Around 12 on the medium group ride today. We went out through Shelton, Long Bennington, Hough on the Hill and Frieston, with Llew and Wayne setting a good pace on the front. We sat outside at the cafe and then made our way back via Brandon, Stubton and back to Long Bennington, then Orston and Car Colston. I ended up with 54 miles and just under 17mph average. It's good to see people like Howard giving the faster ride a try and everyone seemed to keep up ok.
Ed Ward
Jan 19
Discussion
Only 8 riders today with heavy frost and ice about. We all set off together and kept away from the small roads to stay safe. At least the sun was out! This made it a shorter ride than usual to Farnsfield where the café was very busy. This made the stop a little longer but we weren't keen to leave the warmth anyway. At least we managed to get a ride in and stay safe.
An enjoyable ride, pleased with myself I kept up OK and did not hold the group up. It is nice to get out of your comfort zone. Got a bit tired towards the end but kept powering on all the way home trying to keep 17mph. Managed an average of 16.8mph (the very last bit riding home on the hills is what brought the average down from 17) and ended up doing 63.34 Miles (home to home).
Unfortunately living on Southview Rd (up Cavendish rd) I have to end my ride with hill climbs, and form Cavendish Road to my house is a leg buster so when I got off my bike I could hardly walk up my drive, my legs starting to cramp up; so I did a 10 min cool down on the turbo and though I am prone to getting a cramp later in the evening they have been fine tonight. So a turbo cool down will be regular from now on!
I used to live on Glendale Close, just off Westdale, so that climb up Southview is very familiar. A real sting in the tail after a long ride.
I sympathise with Howard. Living in Arnold the only way home is up, whether its Bank Hill, or Cat Foot Lane's short sharp ascent and deceptively rising long drag to Mapperley Top. My legs hurt just thinking about it.
Well if it's any consolation. I used to drive down to the start for a long time then when I first rode up Prospect, I started stopping at my Mum's for a cup of tea and calling Sylvia to come and pick me up because I simply couldn't face riding up Prospect.
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger!
Shame I missed out on that Strines ride. I think we ought to tee another one up!!!